Psych 101: Introduction to Psychology - Human Development

These flashcards cover key concepts in human development as explored in an introductory psychology course, focusing on physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development across the lifespan.

Cross-section designs

Research design that assesses a lot of individuals at one point in time.

Longitudinal studies

Research design that assesses the same individuals multiple times over an extended period.

Developmental Psychology

The study of how people grow and change from infancy through old age.

Nature versus Nurture

Debate about whether genetic or environmental factors influence development.

Resilience

The ability to recover from or adapt to difficult life situations.

Physical processes

Biological changes that occur in individuals over time.

Cognitive processes

Changes in thought, intelligence, and language development.

Socioemotional processes

Changes in emotions, personality, and social relationships.

Germinal period

The first two weeks of prenatal development after conception.

Embryonic period

The stage of prenatal development from weeks 3 to 8; rapid cell differentiation.

Fetal period

The stage of prenatal development from 2 months to birth.

Teratogen

Any agent that causes malformation or harm to a developing fetus.

Reflexes in infancy

Automatic responses present at birth, such as suck and swallow.

Motor skills

The ability to move and control body parts, developing through interaction.

Synaptic connections

Connections between neurons that grow and strengthen during early development.

Puberty

The period of rapid physical maturation and sexual development.

Testosterone

Male hormone influencing development during puberty.

Estradiol

Female hormone influencing development during puberty.

Prefrontal cortex

Brain region that matures slowly, involved in decision-making and regulation.

Limbic system

Brain part linked to emotions and drives; contains the amygdala.

Cellular-clock theory

Theory positing that cell divisions have a maximum number.

Free-radical theory

Theory that unstable oxygen molecules damage DNA and lead to aging.

Piaget’s Theory

Theory of cognitive development based on progressive stages.

Schemas

Mental frameworks that organize and interpret information.

Assimilation

Integrating new information into existing schemas.

Accommodation

Modifying existing schemas to incorporate new information.

Sensorimotor Stage

Piaget's first stage, lasting from birth to age 2, focused on sensory experiences.

Object permanence

Understanding that objects continue to exist even when they can't be seen.

Preoperational Stage

Piaget's second stage, from 2 to 7 years, where symbolic thinking emerges.

Concrete Operational Stage

Piaget's third stage, from 7 to 11 years, where logical reasoning develops.

Formal Operational Stage

Piaget's final stage, from 11 years onward, involving abstract and hypothetical thinking.

Vygotsky's theory

Emphasizes cognitive development in social and cultural contexts.

Nativist Approach

Perspective that infants have innate core knowledge systems.

Executive function

Higher-order cognitive processes such as planning and problem-solving.

Temperament

An individual's characteristic style of emotional and behavioral response.

Attachment

Emotional bond between an infant and their caregiver.

Secure attachment

A healthy attachment style where infants explore confidently.

Erikson’s psychosocial stages

Eight stages outlining human development across the lifespan.

Trust vs. Mistrust

Erikson's first stage, focusing on caregivers meeting infant needs.

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Erikson's second stage, where toddlers develop independence.

Initiative vs. Guilt

Erikson's third stage, focusing on taking responsibility and leadership.

Industry vs. Inferiority

Erikson's fourth stage, where children seek competence in skills.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Erikson's fifth stage, where adolescents explore and form identities.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Erikson's sixth stage, focusing on forming close relationships.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Erikson's seventh stage, concerning contributing to future generations.

Integrity vs. Despair

Erikson's eighth stage, where reflection on life leads to realization.

Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

Framework outlining stages of moral reasoning.

Preconventional morality

Morality based on consequences and punishments.

Conventional morality

Morality based on societal norms and parental standards.

Postconventional morality

Morality based on universal ethical principles.

Gilligan's care perspective

Alternative view emphasizing connectedness and relationships in moral reasoning.

Terror Management Theory

Theory focusing on how culture helps individuals manage fear of death.

Kubler-Ross’s Stages of Dying

Five stages describing emotional responses to terminal illness.

Resilience in grief

The ability to recover quickly from loss or trauma.

Active development

The concept that development is ongoing throughout the lifespan.

Identity diffusion

Lack of exploration and commitment in identity development.

Identity moratorium

Exploration of identity without a commitment made.

Identity foreclosure

Commitment made without exploring options.

Identity achievement

Successful exploration and commitment to one's identity.

Gender similarity hypothesis

Hypothesis stating that males and females are more similar than different.

John/Joan case

Illustrates the complexities of gender identity development.

Socioemotional Development

Changes in emotions and relationships across the lifespan.

Cognitive decline in aging

The slowing of cognitive processes in later life.

Active development as a lifelong process

Concept emphasizing continuous growth and change throughout life.